Hailing from Denver, Colorado, Megan Ellsworth started playing music at the very young age of 8, when she first picked up a guitar. Following numerous years of learning and working hard in music, Ellsworth has just graduated in Music Business and Songwriting. Read our full interview with her below.
For those that may be unfamiliar, how would you describe your style or approach to music?
My musical style is rooted in the folk greats of the sixties and seventies as well as the anti-folk of the 2000s. I also pull inspiration from old country music and classic rock musicians like Tom Petty, Paul McCartney, and Heart. ELLSWORTH is an eclectic mix of these inspirations, which ultimately makes my sound completely and authentically me. My solo project, ELLSWORTH, has given me the freedom to express myself through all of my musical inspirations at once, whether that be a plucky acoustic
song like “Close The Door” or a full band tune like “Growing Pains”.
How did the album “ELLSWORTH” come about? What do you hope listeners take away from it?
ELLSWORTH was created partially during my last year in college, where I studied music business and songwriting. I wanted something to take with me at the end of my time at the university, something that showed me what I was capable of. The album began as a capstone project and morphed into a career launcher. It means the world to me and includes songs that I wrote in high school, through college, and in the middle of the pandemic. I am most proud of the range of musical styles I was able to capture, from the western feel of songs like “Dear Rosie”, “Growing Pains” and
“Fall” to the intimate acoustic songs like “Fight or Flight” and “Overboard”. ELLSWORTH has been a labor of love for over a year with my friend and old
professor, Matt Hoffman, in his basement otherwise known as Hoffman’s Melody Shop.
This album holds a piece of my soul and I created it with people in mind. More than
anything, I want my music to comfort and connect people to a sense of love and unity.
What is your favorite track on the project?
Honestly, this changes everyday, lol! When I want to dance, my favorite song is
“Growing Pains” and when I’m feeling thoughtful my favorite is either “Close the Door”, “Daydream” or “Fight or Flight”. It feels good to have a hard time picking a favorite because that means that I love them all so much. They are like my little babies and now releasing this album is like watching them go off to college, they just turned 18 and are out in the world on their own. It feels really good.
What does your typical songwriting process look like?
My songwriting process is definitely at the whim of inspiration. Once inspiration
strikes, I am in the thick of it for a good hour. Then I let the song sit for a few days
before going back to the editing table. Songs are like little fetuses and they need time
and energy put into them to really shine and feel loved. Once they feel loved, they can show love to other people.
How can our readers and followers support you?
Sharing content, following, liking, commenting. Connection is everything these days to creators and small artists trying to make a living with their art. Following my channels and streaming services, sharing a post on instagram or buying a piece of
merch from me directly or via my website (ellsworththefolksinger.com) is more helpful than people may realize, especially now. Without live shows it’s incredibly difficult for musicians to make money and everyone has to have a second or third job. So, just connect with me! Let’s become friends and share art with each other. Collaboration is key to creativity, so let’s get artsy together!
